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Beat the Heat in Ames

It’s 100 degrees and 80 percent humidity outside. Your ice cream is melting, and the kiddie pool in the backyard just isn’t as fun anymore. You don’t want to spend another day inside watching cable, so where do you go to cool down? Ames, of course! Ames has lots of fun ways for you and your family to beat the heat this summer. Check out some of our frosty favorites below!

Furman Aquatic Center. Waterparks are a summer staple, so don’t miss the Furman Aquatic Center! This public pool is packed with features, including a 550-foot-long lazy river, two water slides, a drop slide, diving boards, basketball hoops and more. Have little ones? There’s a special area for younger children that offers zero depth entry, spray features, a play structure and children’s slides. Adults will appreciate the lap lanes, off-street parking and wi-fi. Call (515) 239-5434 for updated hours and cancellation information.

Kona Ice of Ames and Ankeny. Do you hear tropical music playing and see a brightly colored truck rolling up? If so, you found Kona Ice! This Hawaiian shaved ice truck can be found parked in different locations around Ames. They offer 10 different flavors, so you can mix and match to your heart’s content! Do you love shaved ice so much that you wish you could have it at your next event? You’re in luck! Kona Ice can be booked for your next party or event.

Seven Oaks Recreation. Seven Oak Recreation offers way more than just skiing! This Boone-based facility has year-round recreation activities, including their ever-popular river floats. You and your friends can book a kayak, canoe or tube and spend a great day on the river. Seven Oaks will even drop you off at the river and pick you up at the end of your float trip! Alcohol is allowed, but please drink responsibly. It’s recommended you give them a call at (515) 432-9457 to check current river conditions before you book your adventure.

Ames/ISU Ice Area. Cool off literally at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena! This skating rink offers open skate times, birthday party packages, recreational hockey leagues and more. Have a larger group? Rent the Igloo, the perfect room to host a meeting, social event or party. The rink is lighted and handicapped accessible, so all skaters can participate in the fun. If you discover ice skating is your new favorite hobby, discount public skating cards are available to save you money on admission.

Chocolaterie Stam. Looking for a cool, sweet treat? Then Chocolaterie Stam is your new go-to! Located in the heart of Downtown Ames this chocolate shop and café offers over 50 varieties of delicious, hand-scooped gelato and sorbetto. Get a cup of your favorite flavor, and soak in the atmosphere of this unique, European-inspired shop. After you finish your gelato, pick out a box of chocolates for the road. Just don’t leave them in your toasty car for too long!

We hope this list has given you some cool places to beat the heat in Ames. Still looking for more? Visit ThinkAmes.com for a full list of things to EAT, DO, STAY and SHOP!